NDA: A question of survival

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA),which is India’s first formal alliance to come to power in 1998, has come under a lot of strain following its chief architect L K Advani’s quitting from all BJP posts. In fact, his exit is crucial for the BJP in the face of 2014 elections which it cannot win if more members duck out of the NDA. Presently, Janata Dal (U) is doing the rethink. Here is the NDA’s timeline:

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA),which is India’s first formal alliance to come to power in 1998, has come under a lot of strain following its chief architect L K Advani’s quitting from all BJP posts. In fact, his exit is crucial for the BJP in the face of 2014 elections which it cannot win if more members duck out of the NDA. Presently, Janata Dal (U) is doing the rethink. Here is the NDA’s timeline:

-- Comes into existence in 1998, is led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with 13 constituent parties.

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-- The coalition remains in power from 1998.

-- Collapses within a year after the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) pulls out.

-- Returns in 1999 with a greater majority and new alliances.

-- Completes full five-year term under AB Vajpayee.

-- Gets defeated by Congress-led United Progressive Alliance in 2004.

-- In 2011, Haryana-based Haryana Janhit Congress (BL) and Maharastra-based Republican Party of India (Athvale) join the NDA.

-- The same year, Ajit Singh-led Rashtriya Lok Dal withdraws from it.

-- JD (U) president Sharad Yadav is its convener.